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"The Jack's Boathouse family is heartbroken that after 70 years on the same location, we are told in a form letter that we must be out by 30 days," Simkin said. "Hearing this at Christmastime will be a huge blow to our 27 employees at Jack's Boathouse who are losing their jobs which makes this even harder."

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Simkin said he didn't get much explanation from the NPS and notes that the business has been thriving, with 72,000 visitors last summer. The Water Street boathouse rents kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddles, and features a popular, colorfully decorated dock where boaters can socialize before and after their trips.

Jack's Boathouse has been open since 1945, but it's located on land owned by the NPS.

The NPS says the lease is no longer valid but has not explained why. The agency simply said it wants to provide recreational activities as a concession at the site, and that Simkin is free to submit a proposal to operate the concession.

A statement from the NPS reads in part:

The recreational services offered and public access to the Potomac River are important to the NPS and and will be offered as a concession contract. This concession will be announced within a few days through a fair and open process. Mr. Simkin is free to submit a proposal for the opportunity to operate the concession.... The conversion to a concession will be complete by February 1, 2013, and we anticipate no interruption of service at the site.